Lloydminster producers are almost finished harvest. Producers were able to return to the fields after some delays due to weather over the past couple of weeks.
According to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Weekly Crop Report from October 16 to 22, warm and dry weather over the past couple weeks is to thank for producers having 92 per cent of the 2018 crop harvested. This is behind the five-year (2013-17) average of 94 per cent for this time of year.
Some regions will need a few more weeks to complete harvest with between 89 to 97 per cent of crops combined. The northwest has 82 per cent combined, which includes Lloydminster. Crops continue to come off tough in many areas and are being placed in dryers when available.
There have been close to no change in Topsoil moisture conditions. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 65 per cent adequate, 28 per cent short and five per cent very short. Little to no rainfall was reported across the province.
The majority of crop damage this past week was due to lodging, bleaching and sprouting. Geese and other wildlife continue to feed on swathed crops. Producers are completing fall work such as putting down fertilizer and hauling bales.